What was the main reason for the addition of the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution?

The addition of the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution primarily served as a compromise between Federalists, who supported a strong central government, and Antifederalists, who were concerned about individual liberties and the potential for government overreach. The Federalists advocated for the Constitution, which they believed created a framework for a balanced and effective government. However, the Antifederalists raised valid concerns that without explicit protections, the new national government could infringe on individual rights.

To address these concerns and ensure broader support for ratification of the Constitution, the Federalists agreed to add a Bill of Rights, consisting of the first ten amendments that explicitly enumerated individual freedoms and protections against government abuses. This compromise was crucial in easing fears about federal power and securing the Constitution’s ratification, demonstrating a commitment to civil liberties that would reassure both skeptics and proponents of the new government structure.